Further regarding the meeting of the tribes at the mounds of the Caddo:
Saturday, October 11 seems to be a date that is agreeable to everybody. At
this time it is planned that we meet there in the early afternoon. There is
no place to get lunch there so it is best to eat en route. Right after
lunch we will begin - around 12:30 or 1:00 NDN time. We plan to bring lawn
chairs and set up under the shade trees which are near to the river. People
should bring cool drinks as the afternoon may be warm. It is best to dress
appropriate to the weather. If we do any dancing it will be just for fun
among us so regalia is not necessary. Some of us may bring hand drums or
other portable musical instruments. Later in the day when it is a little
cooler we may dance.
Starting in the early afternoon, the plan is to have discussion. Various
tribal people may talk about their respective groups. Chiefs who are
present may be asked to say a few words. After the opening remarks we may
have several discussions ongoing and break into smaller groups. We may have
a circle where people discuss the history of Native people in Texas and
Louisiana. We may have a circle where people tell stories and lore. We may
have a circle where we make prayer feathers. If there are enough kids who
want to play, we may get up a stick ball game. These suggestions are not
firmed up yet and will evolve as people indicate their preferences and
interests. Suggestions are welcome.
This place is a mound complex which has been a Native American sacred site
for over a thousand years. There are many mounds in that area. The place
where we plan to set up is near a river under a stand of trees where it will
be shady. Adjacent to the shaded area is a burial mound about 35 ft. high.
Also nearby is what used to be a mound of Oracles. There was a temple on
top of that mound which housed seers. The baton rouge was a popular method
used by those who were seers. We may talk about the baton rouge and what it
was. The city Baton Rouge takes its name from the large temple of oracles
which once stood there. It was to North America as Delphi was to Greece -
people came from miles around to consult the baton rouge. When whites
arrived they destroyed the baton rouge. While most of us no longer believe
in oracles, it is interesting to know about as it is a part of our cultural
heritage. The baton rouge at this site was much smaller and not
as well known as the one which gave its name to the city.
There is a large plaza there where people would have danced when the mound
complex was in use. At the other end of the ceremonial complex is the
primary temple mound. It is damaged but people may still climb to the top
of it. This is where the main temple of these people was a thousand years
ago. This is where the chief priest lived and where the sacred fire was
kept. The temple was usually a square building made of pine logs. Inside
they housed items used in various ceremonies. There was also a partitioned
area where the chief priest lived. The sacred fire was set up in cross
fashion - one log pointing in each of the four directions. It was kept
always burning by the fire keeper who was a priest in training. It is a
fantastic place for Native people to visit.
It is hoped that you all will be able to attend. I will keep you all
updated as plans unfold. Any ideas or suggestions are welcome.
Best regards
M. LeBlanc